In the lead-up to Bellator 299, Aaron Pico appears confident and undaunted by his upcoming opponent, Pedro Carvalho. The two fighters are set to clash in the co-main event on September 23rd at Dublin’s 3Arena, with the main card broadcast on Showtime, following preliminaries on MMA Junkie.
Pico, often regarded as one of Bellator’s most promising talents, enters the bout with an impressive record of 11-4. In his most recent outing, he secured a unanimous decision victory over James Gonzalez, bouncing back from a TKO loss due to a shoulder injury sustained in a bout against Jeremy Kennedy. Remarkably, this defeat against Kennedy stands as Pico’s sole setback since 2019, and he has been on a remarkable 7-1 run in his last eight fights.
On the other side of the Octagon, Pedro Carvalho, a former title contender, is facing a more challenging period, having lost four of his last six bouts. Nevertheless, the SBG Ireland fighter presents a seasoned challenge for Pico.
Speaking about his upcoming opponent, Pico described Carvalho as a “pretty straightforward” fighter. Carvalho is known for his southpaw stance but is also adept at switching to an orthodox stance. He frequently seeks opportunities for guillotine chokes and delivers left-body kicks. Despite Carvalho’s skills, Pico expressed confidence, stating that he has faced more formidable strikers in the past.
Pico acknowledged the unpredictable nature of MMA, where outcomes can change in the blink of an eye, particularly when contested with 4-ounce gloves. He emphasized the thorough preparation he and his team have undertaken to ensure he’s ready for the challenge Carvalho presents. Pico believes that the fight’s stylistic matchup favors him and expresses his eagerness to step into the Octagon.
Furthermore, Pico revealed that he has been diligently working on his kicking techniques. He expressed a desire to secure a victory with a spinning back kick, despite his previous attempts in his last fight against Gonzalez. While his corner was skeptical during those attempts, Pico believes in the effectiveness of his spinning back-kick, although he acknowledges the challenges of executing it in a real fight scenario.
Aaron Pico’s confidence ahead of his clash with Pedro Carvalho is intense, and he appears determined to make a statement in the co-main event of Bellator 299. While Carvalho’s experience cannot be underestimated, Pico’s recent track record speaks volumes about his potential in the promotion.
Pico’s emphasis on improving his kicking skills and his aspiration for a spinning back kick knockout showcase his commitment to evolving as a fighter. The acknowledgment of the difficulty of landing such a kick in a live fight demonstrates his awareness of the challenges he may encounter.
It is worth noting that Pico’s confidence could be both a strength and a potential vulnerability. Underestimating an opponent, especially in a sport as unpredictable as MMA, can lead to unexpected outcomes. Nevertheless, Pico’s meticulous preparation and belief in his abilities make this matchup at Bellator 299 one to watch closely.
